Belts and Hoses at Auto Express - Doylestown PA

The belts and hoses under your hood are some of the most important, and often overlooked, parts of a vehicle. Failing to check your belts and hoses can result in an overheated engine, loss of steering power, and damage to your cooling system. These parts don't often offer direct signs something is wrong, so it's important to perform visual checks, listen for unusual sounds, and have your belts and hoses inspected at the manufacturer's suggested service intervals. If it's time to get your belts and hoses changed, an  Auto Express technician will be happy to set an appointment for you or just walk in, no appointment necessary. 

Belts

V-Belts or Serpentine Belt: 

Your car's accessories are controlled by either a series of v-belts, or a serpentine belt (one belt that drives throughout multiple devices in the engine) that winds around your engine. These belts power your alternator, water pump, power steering and cooling fans, so if a belt were to degrade and snap, it would mean a breakdown and costly repairs. That's why it is important to replace these belts at regularly scheduled intervals. 

Timing Belts: 

The timing belt in your car's engine is a toothed or ribbed belt that is the sole component that keeps the camshaft(s) and crankshaft in sync. Your timing belt will degrade with time and usage,  causing extensive and expensive engine damage. 

Belt Tensioners: 

A belt tensioner is a pulley that maintains the constant belt tension and torque required to drive a vehicle's multiple accessories. These belts must be in good working shape in order keep the belts they support in the proper place to prevent damage to your engine. 

Signs that it's time to replace your belts: 

• Cracks or splits in the belts

• Greasy or glazed look

• Excessive cracks

• Splits or chunking

• Edge damage and/or wear.

• Car makes a squealing noise when accelerating

• Resistance when you flex it 

• Difficulty starting your car

• High pitched sound (shriek or whirring) when you start the engine or are idling

 Hoses

These are several types of hoses that your engine needs to run properly. 

Top and bottom radiator hoses: The upper and lower hoses help to move the coolant throughout the radiator. The upper hose connects the top of the radiator to the top of the engine and the lower hose connects the bottom of the radiator to the water pump of the engine, which keeps coolant flowing through the system. 

Bypass hose: carries cold fluid from the water pump past the thermostat for faster engine warm-up and helps maintain constant engine temperature

Heater hose: circulates hot coolant to and from the passenger compartment heating system

Signs that it's time to replace your hoses:

• cracked or broken hoses

• hardened or lost flexibility

• bulged or swollen hoses

• signs of leaks are present. 

Service Information:

Appointment Info:  Walk-ins welcome, no appointment necessary

Time to Complete Service: Approx. 1 hour

Cost: Varies